Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Videos, BMW
VIDEO: BMW Performance releases 3-Series teaser

We're always up for a new 3-Series, and a performance variant straight from the manufacturer is even better. It looks like a new Bimmer is forthcoming from BMW performance, and the post-jump YouTube video shows just enough to keep us intrigued. We can catch a few details, and from what we can see and hear, this new performance Bimmer sedan will likely be faster and lighter than the standard 3. What it doesn't look like is an upgraded M3, as the front air dam isn't as large or aggressive as its M-powered sibling and it's lacking the M's quad-tip exhausts. What we do see is BMW Performance badging, carbon fiber side mirrors, and plenty of plastic molding to keep the souped-up 3-Series closer to the ground. BMW did mention that we'd see the new Performance 3-Series in its entirety some time in November, and we'll be first to show it to you when it hits the Internets. Hit the jump to view BMW's 40 second teaser video, and make sure to turn up your speakers.
[Source: eGMCarTech]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Trent 6:03PM (11/11/2008)
Awesome! great video. a true teaser.
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3seriesisking 7:20PM (11/11/2008)
I agree man, I'm pumped already.
Crackberry Addict 6:08PM (11/11/2008)
Maybe they made pushed the 3.0 liter twin turbo to its full potential.
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Namir 6:37PM (11/11/2008)
Not likely, that's a single exhaust indicating its the 328 N/A six.
Its just a teaser of all the parts we already know exist.
They released the 1 series performance catalog. You can see that this is most of the same stuff, just with the 3 series application.
Wheels, Short Shift Kit, Light weight seats (not available in US), 6-pot brembos, Carbon fiber tid bits, Performance steering wheel, strut brace, exhaust, and springs.
Here's the 1 series catalog, the 3 should have a similar one released soon.
http://www.e90post.com/goodiesforyou/pp1b.pdf
Mobius_1 10:06PM (11/11/2008)
Then there would be a 3er that would probably be as fast as, if not faster, than the M3. And in Germany, that is automotive suicide.
Matt 10:56AM (11/12/2008)
Namir: You could be right, but remember that the E39 540i Sport had a single muffler, with only one exhaust tip. Similarly, the 550i Sport has one muffler, but with two tips. It'll be interesting to see if this model nestles itself between the 328i and 335i, or if it tops the 335i with 10-20hp additional hp. In that case, M3 owners will have to work even harder to beat these bad boys.
Alex Keyes 1:20PM (11/12/2008)
I think it's going to be a 4-cylinder turbo, plus some weight trimmed down
Tourian 6:09PM (11/11/2008)
Maybe its a Tii variant like they talked about doing for the 1 series as well.
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john 6:10PM (11/11/2008)
how can they make that a teaser??? i know what it gonna look like a regular, 3 series design with no innovation. All major european car makers have horrible laziness in their design department lately, every model of their look the same-_- boring designs
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Joe 6:17PM (11/11/2008)
"3 series design with no innovation"
I agree it.
"Tradition"
vs.
"old-fashioned", "outdated", "stereotyped"
Ken 6:17PM (11/11/2008)
I would love to see the 128/328 with the engine bumped to 260 HP (as is in the X5), drop a few hundred pounds, brakes from the 135, and sport suspension, seats, etc. as part of a 'hard core' package.
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Mike 5:59PM (11/14/2008)
And knowing BMW, it would be in the price range of 135. For that money you could get a... oh, wait, a 135!
Dasupersprint 6:27PM (11/11/2008)
That's called the 130i, and it's Euro-only.
KikoM3 6:18PM (11/11/2008)
Yeah, I assume it'll be similar to a tii variant, like when they released the 320si a few years ago in Europe.
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StarkRavingMad 8:32PM (11/11/2008)
Yeah, the most logical explanation is a WTCC version of the 3 with Motosport built inline 4 but this is BMW Performance not Motorsport. And I dunno if you guys notice that it got huge yellow 4 pot calipers probably carbon ceramic brakes and that engine definitely didnt sound like a 2 liter sounds a lot like a V8. I think I smell an inhouse rivalry just like AMG vs Mercedes.
Michael 6:21PM (11/11/2008)
If it's a lighter, tighter, 4-cylinder 3-series, that'd be awesome.
Or, more to the point, a lighter, tighter, 4-cylinder 1-series with the brakes from the 135i.
I didn't watch the video (I can't right now), so if it's obviously an inline-6, ignore this.
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Patrick 6:22PM (11/11/2008)
Well, if it is coming to the US, it will likely be in the same spirit as the "Competition Package" that they had on the E46 330i the last year or two it was in production. Alcantara steering wheel, sport seats, subtle body kit, exhaust/intake tuning and better brakes/suspension.
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Fooman 6:37PM (11/11/2008)
Don't forget the steering rack, in the 330 ZCP which is even better then the e46 M3 CSL and M3 ZHP/CS.
YouFaceTheTick 8:16PM (11/11/2008)
Patrick, I think you mean ZHP.
The 2003-2005 e46 330i sedan and 2004-2006 e46 330ci/cic coupe had the option of ZHP package with the adjusted cams, different headers, short-shifter, crap M3 front, lowered suspension, new exhaust, adjusted ecu, alcantara, etc.
The Competition Package was not on the non-M e46 cars.
Patrick 9:13PM (11/11/2008)
Yeah, that is what I meant. I confused the two. My apologies...